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“The Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi, must account for the unfair dismissal of Anneka Smith, a teacher at Hoërskool Montana in Pretoria North”. This is according to DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Khume Ramulifho .
Ramulifho said MEC Lesufi accused Smith of racism without any substantial evidence against her and her subsequent unfair dismissal indicates that MEC Lesufi is racist. “The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the ruling which is in favour of Smith against the racism allegations. This must be a learning curve for MEC Lesufi not to treat teachers unfairly and misuse his authority without tangible evidence to prove any wrongdoings”.
He added that MEC Lesufi has ruined not only her career but her livelihood and that of her family socially and emotionally. Ramulifho further said it has been 10 months since Smith was dismissed and wrongfully accused of racist comments by the Department of Education, and on Tuesday, the Education Labour Relations Council ruled in her favour.
“Smith’s dismissal has been nothing but a personal attack by MEC Lesufi as he rejected her application to appeal her case even though the accusations against her were unfounded”.
He concluded by saying the DA does not condone any elements of racism but believes that no one should be falsely accused without valid evidence.
